Creating my own pop up was not part of my plans but creating something with my wife has always been a dream. Coney Burger is one of those dreams come true. We still have a lot of roads to travel, and it’s been wonderful materializing them with her.

Both of us come from having full time jobs in different industries focused on executing our own visions, so getting to work on a project together excited us. When the chance arrived to participate in Smorgasburg, we didn’t think twice. We saw a great opportunity to connect and serve incredible, sustainable fresh food.

I think this is one of the best times in the last 5 years to dive into entrepreneurship and create new concepts. I mean, why not? I’m a pop-up fanatic! I can find incredible food made by brilliant vendors in the most casual manner.

Aside from the pop-up I work as a Head Chef in a restaurant that recently won a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award. It’s a big achievement and if I could share any words of advice for cooks who have the same dream it would be this: Faith. It’s where the discipline to be consistent comes from and it’s the place where you’ll be able to remain focused in becoming better every day.

It means more than just a prize. There are those who spend years in search of reaching a goal. For us, this recognition signifies the effort, passion and love we’ve put into this restaurant. Without a doubt, it feels great to inspire, impact and restore the community by being part of its culinary history.

I’m fortunate to count with an incredible support system and team. Together we’re capable of reaching more. My advice is to dream big and prepare yourselves, connect with people who have the same hunger to serve. Recognition is the result of excellence and sacrifice. So, when you feel like throwing in the towel, you’re almost there.

Without a doubt, we’ve collected many funny stories. One of them for example is cooking with the same clothes from 2 previous shifts just before going to our Pop-up. Those are the starts…unglamorous.

This new opportunity to start my own business doesn’t mean I’ll quit my job, on the contrary, it means I have more reach to serve more people.